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Luxembourg

Luxembourg has a crime victim compensation program to provide financial compensation for victims for losses resulting from personal crime.

Eligibility Requirements

Report to police. As soon as possible, but within 1 year.

Filing period. Within 1 year; exceptions may be made.

Foreign citizen eligibility. Victims of crime who have their regular and habitual residence in Luxembourg are eligible for compensation. Victims from the member states of the Council of Europe are eligible. Victims who were legally authorized to enter Luxembourg when the crime was committed (including tourists) and who are nationals of a country that grants reciprocity to Luxembourg for this kind of compensation are eligible.

Claimants

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Victims of personal crime

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Dependents of homicide victims

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Luxembourg citizens victimized in a foreign country

Procedures

The victim must report the crime to the police. The victim must send a letter requesting compensation within 1 year of the crime to the Ministry of Justice and include information about the crime and documentation of the costs. The Service D'Accueil et D'Information Juridique will provide victims with procedural information. The ministry forwards the letter to a commission that will contact the victim for additional information. The commission makes recommendations to the Minister of Justice, who makes the final decision on granting compensation and the amount of the award. The length of the process is indeterminate. No application form exists.

Benefits and Award Limits

EUR62,000.

Compensable costs

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Medical expenses

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Mental health expenses

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Lost wages for disabled or incapacitated victims

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Family home aid for disabled victims

Emergency awards. The program may grant partial compensation awards prior to a final judgment if the victim can prove urgent financial need.